Saturday, December 20, 2008

Santa In Training

And the winners are:Tie between Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet(28%) as LaurieTom Hanks (42%) as SimonThank you for voting!FADE IN:INT. LIVING ROOM. HOME - CHRISTMAS EVESitting on a recliner in a sparsely decorated living room, a middle-aged MAN is on the telephone.MANJosh will be here at two o'clock tomorrow?Okay, then. See you tomorrow, mom. Night.After hanging up the phone, he rests his head on the back of the recliner and closes his eyes. A CRASHING noise from the unlit fireplace causes him to sit up.A clump of red, fringed with dirt, lands onto the floor.MANWho's there?Brushing herself off, a WOMAN dressed in a Santa suit glances at him.WOMANI'm so sorry. I'm new at this.MANStay where you are or I'll call...WOMANPlease don't call Santa.The man stares at her.WOMANYou see, I'm a Santa in training. And I might losemy job if...MANYou're a Santa in training?WOMANSanta is so busy. He needs all the help he can get.(self-consciously)I have your present.(looking up the chimney)It seems it's still on your roof.MANI'll get help.WOMANOh no, no, no. It's my job to deliver it myself.MANWhat's your name?Seeing him as an attractive man for the first time,WOMANIt's Laurie.MANA pleasure, Laurie. Mine is Simon.LAURIEHi. SIMONSit down. Make yourself comfortable.Would you care for a glass of wine?The grandfather clock STRIKES twelve midnight.LAURIEI can't. I'm late as it is. I have so many presentsto deliver.SIMONC'mon, Laurie. We both know there's no such thingas Santa. LAURIE(aghast)No such thing as Santa? I'm getting your present right now.Maybe then you'll believe me.Simon shakes his head as the front door SLAMS shut. He hears mumbled CONVERSATION outside his house.EXT. HOUSE - CHRISTMAS DAY

LAURIE(to neighbor)My reindeer are gone! I need to get to the roof!

Simon's NEIGHBOR looks at her queerly.

NEIGHBORI'll get a ladder.When he returns, the neighbor sets a ladder onto the side of the house allowing Laurie to climb to the roof. She searches her sack for Simon's present, then climbs down.LAURIEThank you so very much for your help. Merry Christmas!As the neighbor walks away with the ladder in bewilderment,NEIGHBORMerry Christmas.Laurie rushes back into Simon's house.INT. LIVING ROOM - CHRISTMAS DAYAs she hands him his present,LAURIEMerry Christmas, Simon.As Simon gropes for it, Laurie understands.LAURIE(gently)I'll read it.(reading its contents aloud)Merry Christmas, Simon. Enclosed is a check forthe eye surgery. I know it will be a success. Santa.Digesting the words, he buries his head in his hands. Laurie kneels before him.LAURIEIf you'd like, I'll go with you.Simon finds and clasps Laurie's hand.FADE TO BLACK**written by petra michelle**http://petramichelle.blogspot.com/